Firebird was one of the first U.S.
Air Force air-to-air missiles. Development began in early 1946 and
flight testing occurred between late 1947 and the middle of 1949 at
Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico. The missile was designed to
accomplish all-weather terminal guidance to its target via an active
radar homing device located in the nose.

After being launched from its
parent aircraft, a solid-fueled booster motor providing a thrust of
2,800 pounds powered the Firebird in the early stage of its flight.
This booster motor was later blown off, and four small solid-fueled
motors each providing a thrust of 155 pounds carried the Firebird
toward its target at cruising speed.

Once the missile reached its target, a 90 pound high explosive warhead
was detonated by a proximity fuse. A limited number of Firebird
missiles were manufactured and test-launched from F-82 jet fighters
and B-26 twin engine attack bombers. The F-82 "Twin Mustang"
aircraft could carry two Firebird missiles under each wing.

The Firebird was on display in the
museum rocket garden until it was removed in October 2010 for
a major restoration. The restored Firebird was returned to the
museum on 11 February 2011.